There is nothing more powerful than authenticity. It has always
been true, but particularly in our day and age where
nothing and no one seem to be what they appear to be.
Young people especially have incredible instincts when it
comes to sniffing out the authentic. Great leaders don’t lead
with words, they lead with action.
Example trumps all else when it comes to leadership.
Being willing to get in and do what you are asking others
to do will always be respected by those you are trying to
lead. There is no point telling a child not to smoke if you are
a smoker. It doesn’t matter how good your motives are. It
doesn’t matter how grand your vision is or how good you are
at communicating that vision. How does the old saying go?
What you do screams so loudly that I cannot hear what you
say.
If you want to convince your child to eat nourishing foods
and exercise regularly, it is not enough simply to tell them to
do it. It is not enough to tell them that it will help them become
the-best-version-of-themselves. It is a grand vision, but
visions are empty without example. It is not enough to explain
that they will be healthier and happier. What is needed
is a leader who eats foods that are nourishing, exercises regularly,
and is clearly healthier and happier because of it.
Children will gladly follow where you are willing to lead
them yourself. They become skeptical and questioning of
those who simply stand still and point them down a path.
Matthew Kelly
From Building Better Families
Click Here to get your copy
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